Harness Recommendations

I'm just looking to get some input as to which harnesses you guys use. I've been using the standard diaper that I suspect came with the purchase of the boat, but boy does it do a number on the wedding tackle and kidneys.

I've been looking through the catolouges but I would really like to know everyones opinion. I tend to sail solo most of the time, spend a lot of time on the wire. So comfort is probably the number one concern.

Thanks in advance for the input

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

I personally use the Convertible harness offered by Hobie. For the long days in the trap use the shoulder straps, around the buoys I just use the bottom half and I have never gotten tired of being on the wire! I sell them all the time and have never gotten anything but a good response from the sailors who use them!


Thanks,
Brad Stephens
www.sunjammers.com
Authorized Hobie/Vanguard Dealer
Hobie Division 15 Chairman
[email protected]
850-235-2281
Panama City Beach, FL

I have the "race" half harness from Murray's and I'm quite pleased with it.

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Warm regards,

Jim



"A little crazy but with big balls."

I'm hearing ya on the family jewels- the standard diaper has a way of getting those high notes out of ya'

The biggest difference I found, no matter what manner of harness you use, is the spreader bar. Before these were available in sailing catalogues the windsurfers were using them.

If you are a tinkerer, you can make a full harness from scratch. The admiral of the house cut a pattern based on Hobies full harness. She bound the edges and sewed in webbing for the belt, the shoulders and under the legs. We used Delrin clips from a camping supply store to hold things together and make it adjustable. It had no padding but it worked perfectly and fit over any combination of water wear and life jacket. Best of all, it was comfortable all day.

Good luck, have fun, sail fast-

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

I have to agree with Brad - I bought one of the Hobie convertible harnesses for the 16 worlds and it's probably the most comfortable harness I've ever owned. I use it with the shoulder straps on all the time, since it has a tendency to work down (at least on me) without them.

Before that, I had a GrifGrabbers full harness that I bought at the '91 17 Nationals. It lasted for 12 years - until one of the plastic snap buckles got brittle and broke - needs to go to a canvas shop to get a new one sewn on.

Here are the two Hobie Harness designs:

http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/part_stuff.html#harnesses

Here are details on the automatc harness with ratchet buckle:

http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/part_ratchet.html

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Great, thanks for all the input guys! Looks like I will probably go with the Hobie convertable harness.

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

Speaking of harnesses, what is the latest on the actual spreader bars and hooks. Has anything more come of the no hook trap systems? I seem to remember someone on this forum was using them (JaimeZXv.2 maybe?). I also seem to remember an article Mary Wells did in CatSailor trying to interpret new rules were sanctioning this type of system.

I currently use a Windsurfer spreader bar with the J&H Style (can't miss) handles. The windsurfer spreader bar has a wider hook, and not as deep.

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2001 H16E (European Boat) Sail #108348 Cabo
1991 H14T
2006 Bravo (sold)

This is the rule directly from the Racing Rules of Sailing - 2005-2008:

"40.2 A trapeze or hiking harness shall have a device that can quickly
release the competitor from the boat at any time while in use.
Note: This rule takes effect on 1 January 2006."

At this point, I have yet to see any trapeze system marketed that has such a system. The ball / socket systems are not "quick release."

Looks like everybody's going to be buying something in the next year - we just don't know what yet.

I'm enjoying my no-hook system. Not having ever used the hook-style I can't make an ease-of-use comparison, but after going out a few times I've no problem getting the ball in the socket quickly. (As long as my shirt is tucked in. If it's hanging out then it tends to bunch up and get in the way.)

Now we have to buy something else??

Jim


Note: Matt, if you're reading this - are you the forum admin?

You don't have to buy anything unless you're racing (and the rule doesn't go into effect for a year)

I daresay that only the "A" Fleeters would care about compliance with this. But all it takes is one a-hole to protest you and you're out.

This is me:

(Matt Bounds)

I've held various positions in the class association from treasurer to chairman over the past 14 years. Right now I edit the class magazine, the Hobie Class News. My paying job is managing multi-family real estate (apartments).

This is the forum admin:

(Matt Miller)

Matt works for Hobie Cat and gets paid for playing with boats

I suspect the quick release the rules are refering to would be something like this:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... tId=134479

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

That would be it. That's the first one I've seen.

Wouldn't work with my existing harnesses, though. Too many straps.

You'd need to tie a lanyard to that release pin.

Interesting. Looks like a simple enough mechanism. Being that this is a brand new product, however, don't know yet how it will hold up.

I am in no rush to buy anything...can wait out and see what happens next year.

_________________
2001 H16E (European Boat) Sail #108348 Cabo
1991 H14T
2006 Bravo (sold)

drej said "I currently use a Windsurfer spreader bar with the J&H Style (can't miss) handles. The windsurfer spreader bar has a wider hook, and not as deep" - THAT's what I was saying. I was impressed the first time I borrowed one from a windsurfer and tried it. The spreader bar makes a big difference- it's like the difference between sitting on one of those rubber swing-set seats or a good old metal swing-set seat (you know, the kind that knocked your teeth out if the playground bully swung one into you )

Now a question for Mbounds on the rule 40.2 "A trapeze or hiking harness shall have a device that can quickly release the competitor from the boat at any time while in use." I have, more than once, been "quickly released" from my trapeze does that count? Anyone else?

_________________
The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.